USC will take advantage of Week Zero opener by welcoming several top recruits

The USC Trojans are set to kick off the 2026 season this weekend against San Jose State in Week Zero. Beyond the chance to start the season on a winning note, the game serves as a critical opportunity to host a plethora of top recruiting targets and current commitments from the 2027 and 2028 classes.

The Trojans are set to host an impressive list of prospects this weekend, including several members of their 2027 recruiting class, which currently ranks 13th in the nation. Most notably, USC boasts the sixth-highest average score per recruit in the 2027 cycle, providing clear evidence that the program continues to recruit at an elite level. However, a lot of recruiting excitement amongst the fan base is due to some of the talent from the 2028 class.

USC loads up the visitor list for Week Zero game

A quick glance at the graphic above makes the theme of the day immediately clear: defense, specifically within the secondary. With some of the nation’s most prolific secondary prospects descending on Los Angeles to watch the Trojans face the Spartans, this matchup serves as a prime opportunity for the coaching staff and the university to put their best foot forward—whether it’s to solidify their lead in existing recruitments or to establish a strong foundation early on..

USC currently holds the recruitment lead for every prospect featured in the graphic, with the exception of Derrick Coleman Jr., whose commitment will likely come down to a battle between the Trojans and UCLA. Among the visitors, Jalen Flowers stands out as a primary target; the No. 5-ranked prospect in California for the 2028 class would be a massive addition to a USC defense that has seen its talent level surge over the past two seasons.

The Trojans are also hosting one of the nation's premier offensive linemen this weekend in Elisha Mueller. The No. 8-ranked interior lineman out of local powerhouse St. John Bosco is a priority target for the staff, and USC currently appears to be the team to beat, as momentum has swung heavily in their favor following a recent wave of crystal ball predictions.

Rounding out the list of distinguished visitors is Chandler, Arizona native Keaton Fields. Ranked as the No. 2 player in the country at his position, Fields is a highly sought-after national recruit; successfully keeping him on the West Coast would be a significant win for the USC coaching staff. Fields will be making the trip alongside his teammate and 2027 USC commit, Roye Oliver. Additionally, newly committed 2028 quarterback Trey Wright will also be in attendance to take in the season opener.

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